Description
This Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread is a crusty, flavorful loaf infused with fresh garlic and a blend of herbs, baked to perfection in a Dutch oven. It offers a soft and fragrant interior with a crispy crust, making it an ideal centerpiece or side to complement soups, salads, and main dishes. Simple to prepare with wholesome ingredients, this bread delivers bakery-quality results with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 3 fresh garlic cloves, finely minced or smashed
- 1 tablespoon mixed fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley), chopped
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent (such as pectin or carrageenan)
Optional Variations
- 1/2 cup shredded plant-based cheese (for cheese lover’s version)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for spicy kick)
- Replace 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour (for whole wheat option)
- Sunflower, sesame, or pumpkin seeds for topping
- Garlic-infused olive oil (natural) for brushing after baking
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Combine warm water and instant yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Stir in flour, minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, olive oil (natural), and natural gelling agent. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise at room temperature for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
- Shape and Rest: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a ball. Place it on parchment paper, cover, and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Dutch Oven: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) with the Dutch oven inside to create a steaming environment.
- Bake the Bread: Carefully lift the dough with parchment paper and place it into the hot Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
- Cool and Enjoy: Transfer the bread to a cooling rack. Let it cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing to set the crumb.
Notes
- Use room temperature water to activate the yeast effectively.
- Preheating the Dutch oven is essential to trap steam for a crispy crust.
- Freshly chopped herbs and minced garlic provide the best flavor.
- Allow the bread to cool fully before slicing to avoid a gummy texture.
- Handle the dough gently; it should be sticky and soft, not overworked.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of loaf)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Garlic Herb Bread, Dutch Oven Bread, Crusty Bread, Homemade Bread, Herb Bread, Easy Bread Recipe, Plant-Based Bread
